Harnessing 5G Signals using Software-Defined Radios
In a groundbreaking development, the ASSET Research Group has unveiled a 5G sniffer and downlink injector, designed to work with Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) hardware. This powerful tool, requiring substantial compute power, is capable of real-time data sniffing and filtering in Wireshark, making it an invaluable asset for researchers and cybersecurity professionals alike.
The 5G sniffer, with its hard-coded frequency for improved performance with the n78 and n41 bands, uses two USRP software-defined radios (SDRs) for real-time sniffing. The tool has been tested extensively with these bands, demonstrating its effectiveness in capturing and analysing 5G data.
But the ASSET Research Group's work doesn't stop there. They have also developed an exploitation framework, packed with numerous attack vectors for 5G. One such attack method, called 5Ghull, has the potential to cause device failure, necessitating SIM Card removal. Another vulnerability exploited by the framework can result in downgrading the connection to 4G, offering a unique look inside the inner workings of 5G.
The exploitation of these vulnerabilities, however, is not just a tool for causing chaos. It provides a valuable opportunity for researchers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the 5G infrastructure, paving the way for future improvements and enhancements.
For those without access to the necessary USRP hardware, the ASSET Research Group has generously provided a sample capture file for analysis. This allows anyone to delve into the captured 5G data, offering a glimpse into the world of 5G network traffic. The sniffed data can be piped into Wireshark for filtering, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the ASSET Research Group's 5G sniffer and exploitation framework represent a significant step forward in the field of 5G research. Their work not only offers a powerful tool for cybersecurity professionals but also provides valuable insights into the inner workings of 5G, paving the way for future advancements in the field.
